Kucinich: Hawaii has the chance to make statement
Originally published in the Maui News
Kucinich: Hawaii has the chance to make statement
By MELISSA TANJI, Staff Writer
KAHULUI - Long-shot presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich brought his message of peace Sunday night to Maui, where it resounded among about 100 supporters who greeted him at Maui Community College.
"What he says comes from the heart," said Forest Chyz, 44, an engineer from Huelo. "That's what we need in the world . . . more love. We don't need more war. We don't need more confrontation."
And Kucinich supporters also weren't ready to concede the Democratic Party nomination to front-runners Sens. John Kerry and John Edwards.
"I think there is always hope," said Nichole Mena, 26, of Lahaina when reminded about the Ohio congressman's slim chances.
Kucinich, considered one of the most liberal members of the House, was among a small group of Congress members to strongly oppose the Bush administration's decision to invade Iraq last year.
In his whirlwind tour of Hawaii on Sunday, which included a stop on Oahu, Kucinich tried to garner support as Hawaii will hold its presidential party caucuses on Tuesday.
In Maui County, Democratic precinct caucuses will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 15 locations.
Kucinich arrived about 30 minutes late Sunday night to what was to have been his 8 p.m. Maui engagement at the MCC Student Lounge. He was welcomed with a standing ovation.
Kucinich told the crowd he came back to the islands "because I think Hawaii really understands what my campaign is about, peace and harmony with nature."
He added that Hawaii's Democratic caucus can set an example for the rest of America.
"The people of Hawaii have the opportunity to make a statement," he said.
Meanwhile, Kerry and Edwards are skipping campaigning in Hawaii to concentrate their efforts on the "Super Tuesday" races March 2 in 10 states that will select 1,151 delegates. Only 20 delegates are up for grabs in Hawaii. Idaho and Utah also will hold caucuses on Tuesday.
Hawaii Democrats are holding caucuses before Super Tuesday for the first time. Previous caucus votes got little attention in the shadow of bigger states.
Kucinich has been trailing in Democratic presidential primaries and caucuses held across the country over the past month. Meanwhile, Kerry, the Massachusetts senator, has built a commanding lead for the Democratic nomination for president.
Kerry said he had hoped to visit Hawaii during the primaries, but he was overruled by staff members who objected to the lengthy travel time to visit Hawaii. Kerry has said that if he wins the nomination, he'll visit Hawaii while campaigning against President George W. Bush.
Kucinich supporters on Maui continued to hold out hope for their candidate, pointing out that he was third in caucuses held in Washington state and Maine and has remained in the race for the nomination while several other challengers, including former favorite Howard Dean, have dropped out.
Maui County Democratic Party Chairman Jonathan Starr said "Maui's different" in its political world and predicted that Kucinich will "do really well."
In his speech, Kucinich said he hoped Hawaii will be an example to the rest of America and the world to follow and set the tone for peace.
"This is the moment the world is ready for Hawaii," he said loudly to a round of applause.
Kucinich made a campaign stop here in October, citing the strong support he was receiving from Valley Isle residents. Last fall, Maui county residents who attended events with Kucinich said they were attracted to his peace platform, including his opposition to the war in Iraq and his advocacy of a new Department of Peace.
"I know Kucinich's platform and what he stands for is the only thing that will bring peace and happiness to this planet," Chyz said. "Unfortunately people are so out of touch with love and happiness. They don't have a clue of what they want."
Michael Schneider, 52, of Kihei said he normally doesn't get involved in politics but was supporting Kucinich, although the polls show he won't get the Democratic nod.
Schneider said he will be voting Tuesday, adding "I'm just going to show support for him."
The Vietnam veteran, who was wounded during the war, said he's opposed to the conflict in Iraq.
On Sunday before Kucinich arrived, campaign supporters had a rally, picnic and parade in Kihei. A potluck picnic was held at Kamaole Beach Park III and the "Kucitizens Campaign" conducted a sign-waving demonstration and "Steps-for-Peace Walk" along the sidewalk from Kamaole Beach Park I to III.
Kucinich was scheduled to appear at a rally at the University of Hawaii West Oahu campus Sunday and a get-out-the-vote rally at Studio I in downtown Honolulu before arriving on the Valley Isle.
He did not make his appearance in Hilo and instead his Maui speech was carried to Hilo via a cellular phone.
In his Oahu speeches, he talked about his anti-war and health care initiatives and ending the North American Free Trade Agreement as well as repealing tax cuts to the wealthy and cutting defense spending to help fund education.
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